Your flight was delayed due to adverse weather conditions
Severe weather can qualify as an extraordinary circumstance under EC261, relieving the airline of paying compensation. But duty of care — meals, hotel, rebooking — applies regardless. And not all weather events qualify.
Compensation
Duty of care always; comp if foreseeable weather
Regulation
EC261/2004 Art.5 + Art.9
Time Limit
2–6 years (varies by country)
Weather delays range from extraordinary (severe storms, volcanic ash, hurricanes) to foreseeable (seasonal fog, predictable ice). The distinction determines whether you get cash compensation on top of your duty-of-care entitlements.
EC261 Art.5(3): Airlines are exempt from compensation when circumstances are beyond their control AND all reasonable measures were taken. Burden of proof is on the airline.
Cash compensation may apply if the weather was foreseeable. Duty of care (food, hotel, rebooking) ALWAYS applies regardless.
| Scenario / Distance | Example | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extraordinary weather confirmed | Hurricane, volcanic ash | No cash comp — but full duty of care | Food, drink, hotel, rebooking covered |
| Foreseeable / preventable weather | Seasonal fog, light snow | €250 – €600 | Standard EC261 amounts apply |
| Duty of care (all weather delays) | Any weather delay 2+ hours | Meals, refreshments, hotel if overnight | Unlimited — reasonable amounts |
Check these against your situation — the more you can tick, the stronger your claim.
Flight departed from EU/UK or was on EU/UK carrier arriving in EU/UK
RequiredDelay was 2+ hours (for duty of care) or 3+ hours arrival (for compensation)
RequiredYou had a confirmed booking and presented at check-in on time
RequiredAirline failed to offer meals/refreshments during long delay
ConditionalAirline failed to arrange hotel if overnight delay
ConditionalWeather was foreseeable or delay was partly caused by previous flight issues
ConditionalNot sure if you qualify? Submit your details via our free claim checker — we assess eligibility at no cost and no obligation.
"Weather is always extraordinary — no compensation."
Not automatically. The airline must prove the specific weather event was beyond any reasonable preventative measure. Seasonal fog, drizzle, and minor snow often don't qualify. Courts look at whether the airline could have used a different aircraft or route.
"We don't owe you a hotel — weather is our of our control."
Duty of care under Art.9 applies regardless of cause. Even confirmed extraordinary circumstances do not remove the hotel, meal, and transport obligations for long delays.
"The weather was at the origin airport, not your departure point."
If a previous flight was delayed by weather affecting your aircraft's arrival, this can be challenged. The airline must prove the causal chain — and courts scrutinise cascade delays carefully.
We handle everything from the first letter to final payment. You do nothing.
Collect your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any communications from the airline. Screenshot the flight status.
Our form takes under 3 minutes. We handle the full claim process including letters before action and enforcement.
We notify you when the airline pays. Our 25% fee is deducted only on successful recovery — nothing if we don't win.
Specific answers to the questions that matter for your case.
No win, no fee — 25% only on success
We handle the airline. You get paid. Duty of Care + possible €600.
Last updated: 2025-01-15 · Covers EC261, UK261 and Montreal Convention